Many of you have been asking for my favorite spring hikes, so here we go! Spring is a tricky time of year to hike. Trails could be closed due to mud, you have to bring gear for snow and warm weather, and you never know what weather you are going to encounter on the trail.
You should always be prepared for it to snow or be 75 degrees, so pack layers! Bring spikes, poles, shoes with traction (that you don't mind getting muddy), and sunscreen. The hikes I mention are usually open year round, but definitely check for closures before you head out. I always check AllTrails.com or the open space websites for that county (jeffco.us/open-space, bouldercounty.org, and bouldercolorado.gov/muddy-trail-closures) Please be respectful and do not hike on trails if they are muddy. This causes erosion and kills plants. Stick to concrete trails when there are trail closures.
Turkey Trot Trail, 3 miles (moderate). This is a nice loop trail that can easily be done after work when you don't have a ton of time. It is a quick drive from Denver, and you can stop in Morrison for a bite after. There is some elevation gain and great views from the top! This one tends to have snow and ice in some shaded areas, so bring your spikes and poles just in case.
Bear Peak via Shadow Canyon Trail, 8.1 miles (difficult). This hike is not for the faint of heart. Start early on this one. There are many ways to complete this hike, but this one is my favorite. It is the tallest peak in the Boulder area, and has excellent views of Boulder and the Flatirons. Many times I have done this hike, it has been foggy, sunny, and raining all in the same hour. Bring plenty of food and water because it does take 5+ hours. And yes, there are bears in this area.
Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop, 3.2 miles (difficult). I used to do this hike almost every day I lived in Boulder. It is a quick loop, but has some intense elevation gain. This is a great one to trail run too. There are great views and it is a quick drive from Boulder!
Hells Hole Trail, 8 miles (difficult). I thought this trail was extremely difficult, however, I did do it after having a little too much fun the night before (my friend thought it was hard too though). There is a lot of elevation gain the whole time, and there was a ton of snow. Since this trail is more in the mountains, I would definitely bring snowshoes. You won't be mad you brought them. With all of this being said, it was very beautiful and challenging in a good way. We even saw a Snowshoe Hare!
Maxwell Falls Lower Trail, 4.4 miles (moderate). This is a nice hike close to Evergreen with a waterfall. The waterfall is mostly covered in snow during the early spring, but towards the end is visible. I like this one because there are many variations (Upper Trail) and it is a loop!
Mestaa'ehehe Mountain Trail, 4.1 miles (moderate). This hike is just up a road, so nothing to write home about...except for the VIEWS! You hike up to an old fire tower that overlooks Mount Evans and the surrounding mountains. It is awesome. One of my favorite hikes. You can even rent the fire tower overnight, but I already looked into it and it has a very long waitlist. This is a good one to bring a friend from out of town because it is relatively easy and the payoff is worth it.
Eagle's View Trail Loop, 4.2 miles (moderate). I don't know how I missed the Reynolds Ranch County Park this whole time, but it is filled with many awesome trails. This hike is the best though because of the views of the mountains about half way. There's lots of forest, sunshine, and snow. It's a gorgeous hike and I loved it!
Rosie Rueter, Incline Challenge Loop, 1.2 miles (moderate). This is the mini incline in Parker! I would say it's about a fourth of the length of the Manitou Incline. I went up three times and ran the loop and it was about 3 miles. This is a fantastic work out, and I did not see anyone when I was there (on a weekday).
I hope you enjoy these hikes! Don't let the mud and weather stop you from getting outside! Just bring the right gear and people...and you'll be fine! Thank you to my friends who suggested some of these hikes to me!
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